Metro Manila, Philippines – Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said it is “possible” that former lawmaker Zaldy Co may have left Czech jurisdiction, as Philippine officials try to verify his exact status and location.
Vida, speaking from the Philippine Embassy in Prague, said the government’s latest information on Co came from immigration and police counterparts.
But he said he still has no confirmed and validated information on where Co is now.
“I have no specific answer yet as of now. I have no relevant and validated information as to that fact. So, I don’t want to speculate,” Vida said on Friday, April 24.
Asked if there was a possibility that Co may have left Czech jurisdiction, Vida replied: “Possible.”
“There’s no such guarantee. We need to respect their laws,” he said when asked what assurance the Philippines had that Czech authorities would keep Co within their jurisdiction.
Vida said the information available to him was current as of Tuesday, when he earlier briefed reporters.
The justice chief said his trip to Prague was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to verify information, coordinate with Czech authorities and identify the fastest legal way to bring Co back to the Philippines.
“Ang pinaka-ultimate objective, kailan at paano maiuuwi ang akusado na si former Congressman Zaldy Co,” Vida said.
[Translation: The ultimate objective is when and how accused former Congressman Zaldy Co can be brought home.]
Vida said the Philippines is looking at all available legal options, including deportation, but stressed that the government must respect Czech and European Union processes.
“Whichever is legally feasible and fastest for us,” he said.
He added that the Philippines is still awaiting an Interpol Red Notice against Co, even though a request was filed in November 2025.
“As far as our records, duly verified and validated, wala pang red notice,” Vida said.
[Translation: As far as our verified and validated records show, there is still no red notice.]
Co was earlier reported to have been stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic and returned to Czech authorities. Marcos said last week that Co remained in Czech custody.
Co faces graft and malversation charges linked to a ₱289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants and a hold departure order against him on Nov. 21, 2025, and later declared him a fugitive from justice.
Vida said the priority remains to bring Co home to face charges.
“Mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot at humarap sa kaso,” he said.
[Translation: Those who should be held accountable must be held accountable and face their case.]
